Assistant/Associate Planner

Description

The Department:

The Community Development Department enhances the community’s safety, welfare, quality of life, and economic opportunities by providing advanced planning, development review, permitting and inspection services, as well as administration of programs related to affordable housing. For more information about the Community Development Department, please visit the department website .

The Position:

Assistant Planner

This is an entry-level classification in the professional Planner series. Responsibilities include providing support to the Permit Center, demonstrating good diplomatic skills in dealing with the general public and staff, as well as making decisions and acting within general guidelines in the role of a project planner. This classification is distinguished from the Associate Planner by the performance of the less complex, more routine professional tasks and duties assigned to positions within this series.

Associate Planner

The Associate Planner is the journey level classification in the professional Planner series. This classification is flexibly staffed with the lower classification of Assistant Planner. Appointment or promotion is based on the employee's demonstrated ability to perform the full range of duties and meet the qualification standards for the class, including those that require knowledge of performing routine to complex planning duties in the administration of land use regulations, the City's General Plan, environmental review, and design review. Depending on area of expertise, an Associate Planner may be primarily assigned to one or more of the following specialties: current planning, advanced or long-range planning, architectural review, transportation planning, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping, or database development.

THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS IN THIS, OR OTHER DIVISIONS OR DEPARTMENTS BESIDES THE POSITIONS LISTED BELOW. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN EMPLOYMENT IN THIS CLASSIFICATION, YOU SHOULD APPLY TO ENSURE YOU ARE CONSIDERED FOR ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES THAT MAY UTILIZE THE APPLICANTS FROM THIS RECRUITMENT. MEETING THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS DOES NOT GUARANTEE ADMITTANCE INTO THE EXAMINATION PROCESS. ONLY THE MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WHO DEMONSTRATE THE BEST COMBINATION OF QUALIFICATIONS IN RELATION TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES OF THE POSITION WILL BE INVITED TO TEST OR INTERVIEW.

Typical Duties

TYPICAL DUTIES:

Assistant Planner

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following.

Under general supervision:
• Assists in the administration of subdivision and land use regulations
• Assists developers in filing applications for land use review, including mapping and compiling data, General Plan, zoning, subdivision, variances, use permits, and environmental review
• Prepares and delivers written and oral presentations, graphics, public notices and distribution lists to staff, project developers, and the general public
• Reviews and compares plan sets for consistency
• Provides support to the Permit Center, assists property owners, project developers, public officials, and consultants in review of plans for development
• Maintains planning data using various computer software programs, such as mapping and database systems
• Reviews and prepares environmental documents to meet California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) or National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
• Distributes applications to agencies and individuals concerned with proposed developments
• Presents projects at public meetings
• May represent the Community Development Department at meetings and conferences as needed
• Conducts field inspections, surveys, or impact studies
• Assists with researching, analyzing, and interpreting social, economic, population, and land use data and trends
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Associate Planner

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Under general direction:
• Reviews development proposals, building plans, parcel maps, and subdivision proposals for conformance with appropriate regulations
• Provides support at the Permit Center; reviews proposed land use permit applications to ensure issuance of zone clearance
• Serves as liaison to project applicants, City staff, and the general public regarding Planning Division projects, policies, and goals and policies
• Prepares technical planning reports, presentations, recommendations, and graphic displays involving research, field inspections, and analysis
• May represent the Community Development Department at meetings and conferences
• May act as a liaison to appointed hearing bodies
• Evaluates the design of assigned projects submitted for Architectural Review Committee (ARC) or Architectural Review Board (ARB) approval
• Acts as a project manager for select planning applications, including those pertaining to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and permit tracking
• Assists in the technical and functional training and supervision of planning staff
• Conducts and negotiates real estate or development agreements
• Maintains planning data using various software programs, such as mapping and database systems
• May perform zoning enforcement duties
• Researches, analyzes, and interprets social, economic, population, and land use data and trends
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

Assistant Planner

Minimum Requirements:
• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Urban and Regional Planning, Environmental Studies, Architecture, or closely related field;
• Six (6) months of experience in a position with public contact, including customer service, complaint resolution, public education, or policy analysis

Acceptable Substitution:

None.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Paraprofessional or internship experience in public or private sector.
• Computer proficiency in mapping programs, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or permitting software, such as Accela.

Associate Planner

Minimum Requirements:
• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Urban and Regional Planning, Environmental Studies, Architecture, or closely related field; and;
• Two (2) years of increasingly responsible professional municipal or regional planning experience performing duties similar to an Assistant Planner for the City of Santa Clara.

Acceptable Substitution:

• A Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in Urban and Regional Planning or closely related field may be substituted for one year of the required experience.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), permit tracking and data tracking programs, such as Accela.
• Planning experience in a lead or supervisory capacity.

Both positions require the following:

License/Certifications:

None

Other Requirements:

• Must be able to work evenings and weekends as required.
• Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job assignment.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Incumbents in this position are required to file a Conflict of Interest statement upon assuming office, annually and upon leaving office, in accordance with City Manager Directive 100.

Candidates must attain a passing score on each phase of the examination process to qualify for the Eligible List. A department interview will be required prior to appointment.

Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of Santa Clara will not sponsor, represent, or sign documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.

If applying for the Assistant Planner position, you may qualify for:

VETERAN’S PREFERENCE POINTS: This position qualifies for Veteran’s Preference Points. Applicants who have separated from service (Active Duty Status) must submit proof of honorable discharge (Form DD214) with their application at time of filing or will be ineligible to have points added to their final score.

If applying for the Associate Planner position, you may qualify for:

PERMANENT CITY EMPLOYEES PREFERENCE POINTS: Current permanent employee candidates who receive a passing score on the examination will have an additional five (5) points added to their final score.

Per Civil Service Rules, section 2.24, MORE THAN ONE PREFERENCE POINT PROGRAM: An applicant may use only one (1) preference point program and shall make his/her decision as to which preference point program he/she desires to utilize at the time he/she submits his/her application.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Assistant Planner

Knowledge of:
• Principles and practices of urban and regional planning
• Pertinent Federal, State and local laws and regulations, including those relating to planning, zoning, land use and the environment
• California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) or National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
• Computer applications (such as Microsoft Word, Access, Excel and PowerPoint)

Ability to:
• Read and interpret architectural and engineering plans and specifications
• Research, interpret, apply and explain established laws, rules, policies and procedures related to planning
• Prepare comprehensive written and oral presentation materials, graphics, maps, and charts
• Present projects at public meetings
• Effectively handle multiple priorities, organize workload, and meet strict deadlines
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including the general public
• Work in a team-based environment and achieve common goals
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
• Implement and improve methods and procedures
• Bend, stoop, reach, carry, climb, and lift up to 25 pounds to perform assigned duties

SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Works under the supervision of the Principal Planner, Development Review Officer, Planning Manager, Senior Planner, or other supervisor, as assigned.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED
May assist in training of administrative support staff, technical assistants, and as-needed staff.

Associate Planner

Knowledge of:
• Principles and practices of urban and regional planning
• Pertinent Federal, State and local laws and regulations, including those relating to planning, zoning, land use, safety and the environment
• The relationship of land use planning to transportation, housing and other aspects of community development
• California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) regulations and/or National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
• Elements of project review, including architectural and site planning considerations
• Methods of community participation
• Research methods and techniques, including statistics
• Basic supervisory principles and practices

Ability to:
• Research, interpret, apply, and explain established laws, rules, policies, and procedures related to planning
• Research, analyze, and investigate work related issues and conduct field studies to make recommendations
• Prepare complex and comprehensive written and oral presentations, reports, graphics, maps, and charts Manage complex planning projects, such as mixed use, multi-jurisdictional, and/or large projects
• Use Microsoft Office Suite and planning industry software, such as Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and permitting software, such as Accela
• Work independently, quickly and efficiently and make sound recommendations
• Effectively handle multiple priorities, organize workload, and meet strict deadlines
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including the general public
• Work in a team-based environment and achieve common goals
• Interpret economic, sociological and statistical data applied to land use, transportation, communications, and public utility systems
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
• Implement and improve methods and procedures
• Bend, stoop, reach, carry, climb, and lift up to 25 pounds as necessary to perform assigned duties

SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Works under the direction of the Principal Planner, Development Review Officer, Planning Manager, Senior Planner, or other supervisor as assigned.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Supervises and assists in the training of Assistant Planner, administrative support staff, and as-needed staff.

Additional Information:

You must answer all job-specific questions in order to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applications must be filled out completely (i.e. do not write “see resume or personnel file.”). To receive consideration for the screening process, candidates must submit a 1) Cover Letter and 2) Resume. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Application packets may be submitted online through the “Apply Now” feature on the job announcement at www.santaclaraca.gov . This position is open until filled: Applications will be reviewed on a bi-weekly basis for consideration to the position. If you are interested in applying you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, before the position is closed.

The City of Santa Clara is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of Santa Clara is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at (408) 615-2080 or HumanResources@santaclaraca.gov .

City of Santa Clara Benefit Summary Overview for Bargaining Unit #5, 7, & 8
Employees Association

This summary provides a brief overview of the City of Santa Clara's benefits available to Bargaining Unit #5, 7, & 8 employees in 2023. In the event of any conflict between the information in this summary and the applicable official plan documents, City Manager's Directives (CMDs), Personnel and Salary Resolution, or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the applicable official plan documents, CMDs, Personnel and Salary Resolution, or MOU will prevail over this summary. Benefits are subject to change.
Retirement:

• Membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS)
  • Classic Employees: 2.7% @ age 55 formula - employee pays 8.00% of gross pay, minus $61 bi-weekly
  • New Employees: 2.0% @ age 62 formula - employee pays 7.00% of gross pay

Medicare and Social Security (FICA)

• Employee pays 6.20% up to $9,932.40(Social Security) and 1.45% (Medicare) of gross pay

Health Insurance:

• City contribution up to $2,138.15 (90% of Kaiser Family)/month, based on enrollment in a CalPERS health plan
• Employees electing health coverage with premiums above the City health contribution will pay additional premium costs from salary on a pre-tax basis
• The City’s contribution is prorated based on scheduled hours for part time employees
• Coverage is effective the first of the month after date of hire
• If an employee enrolls in a plan with a monthly premium that is less than $946.86, they will be paid the difference in cash
• Employees hired on or after 1/1/2022 who opt-out of City-offered health insurance and provide annual attestation and proof of alternative required coverage for themselves and their tax family, if applicable, are eligible for a cash-in-lieu amount of $250/month.
• Employees hired before 1/1/2022 are eligible for $479.09/month of the City’s health contribution, even if they opt-out of City-offered health insurance. Employees hired before 1/1/2022 can receive an additional $467.77/month if they provide annual attestation and proof of alternative required coverage for themselves and their tax family, if applicable. Contact Human Resources for more details

Dental Insurance:

• Choice of two Delta Dental plans; enrollment is mandatory
• City pays lowest cost of employee only plan ($22.22 for 2023); additional cost is paid by employee
• Coverage is effective on the first day of the month following three full calendar months of employment

Vision Insurance:

• Choice of two VSP plans
• City pays the lowest cost employee only plan ($9.00 for 2023); additional cost is paid by employee
• Coverage is effective the first of the month after date of hire

Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA):

• City contributes $50.00 a month toward employee's VEBA account. Account funds may be used to pay for qualified medical expenses after separation from the City and after age 50 (pre-tax)
• If account balance is less than $2,000 upon separation, then account funds can be used immediately

Life Insurance:

• City pays for $15,000 of Basic Life Insurance coverage. Employer premium is $2.87/month
• Coverage is effective the first of the month after one calendar month of employment
• Additional optional insurance may be purchased by the employee for the employee, spouse, domestic partner, and/or dependent children

State Disability Insurance (SDI):

• 0.9% of gross pay; max deduction of $1,378.48 (includes PFL)
• 7 day waiting period. Maximum benefit is $1,620/week for absences due to non-work related injuries/illnesses. Benefit is based on earned wages in a specific 12-month period

Paid Family Leave (PFL):

• Up to 8 weeks of benefits within a 12-month period to care for a family member or to bond with a new child
• No waiting period. Minimum benefit is $50/week. Maximum benefit is $1,620/week. Benefit is based on past quarterly wages

Long Term Disability (LTD) Insurance:

• Benefit is 2/3 of basic wage up to $7,500; max of $5,000/month
• City pays $.558/$100 of insured earnings
• 30 calendar day waiting period
• Coverage is effective the first of the month after one calendar month of employment

Deferred Compensation:

• Voluntary plan through Nationwide Retirement Solutions
• Employee may contribute up to the lesser of $22,500/year or 100% of gross compensation into a pre-tax 457(b) account or a post-tax Roth 457(b) account (or a combination of the two accounts) subject to IRS rules.Employees over 50 years of age may contribute up to $30,000/year

Flexible Spending Account (IRS Section 125 Plan):

• Employee may contribute up to $3050per year in pre-tax dollars to a health care spending account
• Employee may contribute up to $5,000 per year in pre-tax dollars to a dependent care spending account
• Employee may contribute up to $300per month in pre-tax dollars to a commuter benefit plan

Vacation:

• Vacation is accrued bi-weekly, cannot use vacation during first 6months of City service
  • For 1 - 4 years of service: 10 days (80 hours)/year
  • For 5 - 9 years of service: 15 days (120 hours)/year
  • For 10 - 15 years of service: 21 days (168 hours)/year
  • For 16 - 20 years of service: 22 days (176 hours)/year
  • For 21+ years of service: 24 days (192 hours)/year

Maximum vacation accrual is 450 hours Once per year, employees can elect to convert up to 40 hours of accrued vacation to cash to be paid out the following calendar yearSick Leave:

• Sick leave is accrued bi-weekly for equivalent of 96 hours per calendar year with no maximum accrual
  • Up to 48 hours/year of accumulated sick leave may be used for family illness
  • Up to 40 hours/year of accumulated sick leave may be used for personal leave

Employee may convert sick leave to vacation once per calendar year (annual maximum conversion is 96 hours sick to 48 hours vacation) Partial sick leave payoff provision on retirement depending on years of service and sick leave cap (balance as of 01/01/2004 plus 1,500 hours)Non-Management Leave:

• 24 hours of non-management leave credited to employees each January 1st
  • New employees hired between January 1st and June 30th receive 24 hours of non-management leave their first year
  • New employees hired between July 1st and December 31st receive 12 hours of non-management leave their first year
  • Unused non-management leave may not be carried over from one calendar year to the next

Compensatory Time Off (CTO):

• Employees may accrue CTO in lieu of overtime hours up to a maximum of 240 hour and 100 hours for Library & Fire Non-Sworn
• 16 hours of CTO is credited to employees each January 1st (prorated if hired after January 1st)

Holidays:

• Seventeen paid eight-hour holidays per year (13 & 4 holidays between 12/25 to 1/1 of following year)

Reimbursements/Allowances (for specific classifications):

• Raingear: Up to $120 per fiscal year for eligible classifications
• Safety Boots: Upt to $237 per fiscal year for eligible employees
• Walking Shoes: Up to $120 per fiscal year for eligible classifications (See MOU for details)
• Tools: $500 per fiscal year reimbursement for Auto Foreperson classification
• Phone allowance of $80/month for Senior Key Customer Representative(s) and Key Customer Representative(s) job classifications

Bilingual Pay:

• Certified bilingual employees are eligible for $55/bi-weekly bilingual pay

Night Differential Pay:

• Librarians and library support employees whose regular assignments are to City libraries are eligible for 5.0% night differential pay for all hours worked between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. so long as they work a minimum of 2 consecutive hours between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m.
• All other employees are eligible for 5.0% night differential pay for all hours worked between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00a.m. so long as they work a minimum of 2 consecutive hours between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.

Standby Pay:

• Employees in the classification of Electric Utility Programmer Analyst, Electric Utility Network Administrator, and Senior Energy Systems Analyst are eligible for standby pay of $100/week when assigned to work standby

Tuition Reimbursement Program:

• Up to $2,000 per fiscal year for tuition reimbursement. See CMD 26 for details

Employee Assistance Program:

• Confidential counseling to employees and dependents. Up to maximum of five (5) consultations per family member per incident per year; City paid premium is $4.03/month
• Appointments can be face-to-face appointments with an MHN network provider, phone appointments, or web- video appointments
• Employees may call Managed Health Network (MHN) confidentially at 1-800-227-1060

Retiree Medical Reimbursement Program:

• Employees who retire from the City with at least ten (10) years of service shall receive reimbursement to help cover retiree single health insurance premiums. The reimbursement maximum includes the PEMHCA minimum.
• Up to age 65, retirees are eligible for reimbursement up to $406/month in 2023(amount adjusted annually)
• After age 65, retirees are eligible for reimbursement up to $243/month in 2023(amount adjusted annually)

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

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